Benwick, and King Bors of Gaul had ordained them, and so passed
the sea and came to Benwick. And when the people saw King Ban's
ring, and Gracian and Placidas, they were glad, and asked how the
kings fared, and made great joy of their welfare and cording, and
according unto the sovereign lords desire, the men of war made
them ready in all haste possible, so that they were fifteen
thousand on horse and foot, and they had great plenty of victual
with them, by Merlin's provision. But Gracian and Placidas were
left to furnish and garnish the castles, for dread of King
Claudas. Right so Merlin passed the sea, well victualled both by
water and by land. And when he came to the sea he sent home the
footmen again, and took no more with him but ten thousand men on
horseback, the most part men of arms, and so shipped and passed
the sea into England, and landed at Dover; and through the wit of
Merlin, he had the host northward, the priviest way that could be
thought, <20>unto the forest of Bedegraine, and there in a valley
he lodged them secretly.

Then rode Merlin unto Arthur and the two kings, and told them how
he had sped; whereof they had great marvel, that man on earth
might speed so soon, and go and come. So Merlin told them ten
thousand were in the forest of Bedegraine, well armed at all
points. Then was there no more to say, but to horseback went all
the host as Arthur had afore purveyed. So with twenty thousand
he passed by night and day, but there was made such an ordinance
afore by Merlin, that there should no man of war ride nor go in
no country on this side Trent water, but if he had a token from
King Arthur, where through the king's enemies durst not ride as
they did to-fore to espy.